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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Anchors Aweigh

by Heather

I love nautical-themed attire.
This isn't my first time with "nauti" style and probably won't be my last.
The disconnect is that we don't live near a lake or the ocean.
So, is it still okay to sport this look?

I come by my love for water and all things nautical naturally.
My mother, who was born and raised in Whitley Bay, England, regaled us with stories of life along the coastline of the North Sea. When we visited family there, it became our favorite playground, too.
My dad spent his early years along the Massachusetts shore and joined the Coast Guard which is how he met my mother during WWII (the American Coast Guard was in England guarding their shores). Juicy Couture anchor necklace

When Tom and I started dating in high school,
we'd spend every waking moment of the summer on Lake Minnetonka
(in Minnesota -- Land of 10,000 Lakes)
water skiing and playing as only teens can do with his parents' speedboat.
With twin outboards -- two of the largest you could buy at that time -- and a cuddy cabin, we had a lot of freedom and speed. What were our parents thinking??

As newlyweds, Tom and I spent four years in the Navy.

Well, he was in the Navy; I was a Navy wife on a very small base in northern California, and then at Alameda, the naval air station in the San Francisco bay.

Again, our lives revolved around the water.

My heart still beats a little faster when I hear "Anchors Aweigh" or see a sailor in his Navy uniform.

When we moved back to Minnesota, we kept a sailboat at the Shorewood Yacht Club on Lake Minnetonka. Our weekends were spent living aboard the boat throughout the summer and autumn months. It was only 20 minutes from our home but it felt as if we were hours away from high pressure jobs and the related stress. Remember, this was before cell phones kept people connected 24-7. Although we had a ship-to-shore radio, it was only used for emergencies.
Even today, if I'm having trouble sleeping, I just imagine myself in the v-berth feeling the gentle rocking from the waves and it puts me right to sleep.

Bayfield 25
Also, during this time, I got into windsurfing. Great fun to do, and when my arms got weary, we'd attach the board to the sailboat with a length of rope and "surf" the very small wake of the sailboat's diesel engine. I think the fastest we could go was five knots!

Macy's jacket complete with epaulets

Ann Taylor white and gold earrings

Our move to Arizona in the mid 80s brought a halt
to all water--related activities.
Our new hobby was flying (he flew; I navigated)
and then we switched to motorcycles.
But the love for water is still there and maybe when we both retire,
we'll get back into boating.
Meantime, I'll assuage the longing with nautical-inspired clothing.
And I think that's okay.

Gorgeously put together as usual Heather. I swear, you can run a theme like nobody's business!! I think you need to host a jewelry swap in which I am the only guest and I don't actually "swap" anything but just procure all of your great castoffs. Sound good?! LOL

I love how you always have a theme to your outfit and take it the whole 9 yards! You make getting dressed seem like so much fun :) Love the look and completely jealous that you can windsurf - tried once, and dying to try again!XO ~Kim @ popcosmo.com

Thanks, Kim. I'm not sure I can windsurf anymore; I was much younger when I was doing that! Would like to try it again, though. Wonder if my old back could withstand the pull?? You'll have to let me know if you do it again; perhaps I can live vicariously through you.Heather

Hello! I just came across your blog, via the Style Elixir Link Up, and I love it! If you get a minute, I’d love to know what you think of my latest outfit post featuring pink & navy! While you’re visiting, let me know if you'd like to follow each other so we can keep in touch :)

3 Girlfriends

Ann, Heather and Sheila

About Us

The three of us have been friends for over 20 years, sharinglife’s journeys and passions, striving to do it with style. We are grateful to have supportive husbands who encourage our adventures and frequently go along for the ride.

Heather has an incredible wardrobe, amazing style and is ourgo-to person for home design. She rides a Harley and is the envy of the road with her fast rolling style.

Ann makes gourmet out of the everyday. She never takes the easy way but makes it look effortless. She has a big heart and commitment to the community, adeptly running the show and pulling it off with style.

There is no home improvement project that proves toodaunting for Sheila. Everything she does looks like a million bucks but she does it for less. In addition to all the time spent on projects, she successfully balances her passion for travel with love and commitment to family.